High Court Rejects Challenge To Gatwick Airport Second Runway Expansion

Plans to bring Gatwick Airport's second runway into regular use have cleared another major hurdle after a High Court judge dismissed legal challenges against the project.

Mr Justice Mould rejected two challenges brought by campaign groups opposing the expansion, ruling that the government's decision to approve the scheme was lawful.

The plans were given the green light by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in September and would see Gatwick's existing northern runway moved 12 metres to the north, allowing it to operate routinely alongside the airport's main runway.

In his judgment, Mr Justice Mould found that the Transport Secretary's assessment of emissions and environmental impacts was both lawful and reasonable.

He also rejected arguments that the government had misinterpreted national planning policy when reaching its decision, describing those claims as being "without foundation".

Supporters of the expansion argue the project will deliver significant economic benefits across the South East.

Gatwick Airport has previously said the scheme could contribute around £1 billion a year to the regional economy and create up to 14,000 jobs.

The ruling represents a significant victory for the airport and the government, paving the way for the long-term expansion of one of the UK's busiest aviation hubs.